CUMBRIA Police are urging the public to help "stamp out racism" after a football player faced abuse during a game against Barrow AFC.

Barrow AFC also pledged to investigate after Colchester United's Shamal George said he was racially abused during the game, allegedly made from an area behind the goal containing home fans.

An announcement was made in the first half of Friday night's League Two game, which Colchester won 3-2. The announcement said Barrow had a zero tolerance approach to racism and that any such instances should be reported.

Colchester tweeted during the game that they "stand with Shamal" and that there was no place for racism or any form of discrimination in the game or in wider society.

George, after the game, tweeted about Colchester's victory: "This team...what a big win that is. Hope the racists enjoyed that one."

Barrow later issued a statement. It said: "The club would like to make it absolutely clear that we abhor discrimination in all its forms and will take the strongest action possible, including pursuing life bans, for anyone found guilty of racism.We will be conducting a thorough investigation and would appeal to any fans who may have witnessed any discriminatory abuse to please come forward and help us identify any perpetrators. Fans can contact us confidentially with any information via concerns@barrowafc.com."

Cumbria Police said that the allegations are being taken "extremely seriously". A spokesman said: "At around 8.40pm yesterday (Friday) Cumbria Police were made aware that a Colchester United player had reported being the victim of racial abuse.

"The abuse was said to have come from supporters behind the Colchester United goal. This is completely unacceptable behaviour and allegations of this nature are taken extremely seriously. Cumbria Police urge anyone who heard any racist remarks to help stamp out racism and hold the perpetrator to account by coming forward and contacting the police referencing incident 240 of 10 September 2021."

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/reportit.You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.